From the beginning, the history of radio reading has been one of innovation. Many services have
taken dramatically different routes. Most operate on FM subcarriers, some have separate cable
TV presence, some operate on TV SAP channels, some can be received directly from satellite,
and a few have taken the big step to become open-channel FM stations whose signal can be
received by anybody with an FM radio. Some services are part of universities, some are part of
public radio stations, some are part of city or state library systems, and some are stand-alone
not-for-profit organizations. Financial support comes from listener contributions, United Way,
legislative line items, bingo, fund-raising events, and endowments. Almost all radio reading
services provide their signals (and loan a radio to the listener) at no charge to the listener.